STERCOEARIUS CREPIDATUS 379 



The Arctic Skua is cii'cuinpolar in its range, breeding in the more 

 northern parts of the Old and New Worlds, migrating in winter to the 

 Mediterranean and southward as far as Cape Colony, India, Australia, 

 Tasmania, and New Zealand. In America it ranges as far south as 

 Brazil. 



Like its congeners the Arctic Skua lives almost entirely on the 

 sea and in the vicinity of rocky islands, and is bold and predatory in 

 its habits, attacking Gulls and other sea-fowl and robbing them of 

 their prey. It also creates great havoc among the breeding colonies 

 of other sea-birds, devouring their eggs and young. In summer-time 

 it also feeds to a certain extent on coleoptera and other insects, as 

 well as on worms. The species is gregarious, and at times congregates 

 in large numbers, though it is often to be found singly. Its powers 

 of flight are remarkable, and even in the most stormy weather the 

 bird appears to be perfectly at its ease, defying, as it were, the 

 elements. It sits on the water like a Gull, and swims well, but does 

 not dive or plunge. 



It utters a somewhat plaintive mewing note, as a rule, but has 

 also a hissing or croaking note, usually heard in the breeding season, 

 when its nest is approached. 



